Business Finance Partner, SSA at Pfizer

POSITION SUMMARY

• As the Business Finance Partner, you will partner closely with business leaders and other key stakeholders within Sub Sahara Africa (SSA), providing insightful analytics of the P&L and high-quality decision support to drive business performance and improve financial position. The candidate is expected to be an independent thinker, capable of working and thinking autonomously, and able to clearly articulate financial insights to colleagues at all levels. This role will provide leadership on various financial matters, lead the Revenue planning for monthly estimates/ Quarterly Estimates/ budgets & Long-range forecasts, working collaboratively with other colleagues within Finance support functions, and always upholding our values of integrity
• The candidate will coordinate / lead the advanced planning, reporting and analysis process and will provide high-quality financial information and insights, contributing towards the success of the business whilst always upholding our values of integrity.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead operating plan, forecasting, and month-end/planning cycle deliverables, including timely and accurate submission of financial data into core systems.
• Provide monthly performance reporting, analysis, and commentary on net revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, receivables, and other key balance sheet items, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Lead review of Gross-to-Net initiatives to improve planning and reporting accuracy for sales deductions.
• Provide decision support to leaders through clear presentations of financial performance and position, highlighting key risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Partner with stakeholders to optimise inventory levels through monthly reviews, including expiry monitoring and obsolescence assessments.
• Collaborate with Finance Operations, Order-to-Cash, and other functions to optimise accounts receivable and cash flow performance.
• Deliver periodic analyses, including pricing, profitability, and inventory mark-up reviews.
• Prepare ad hoc reporting and analyses for the Business Finance Director and support local SSA projects as required.
• Participate in, and where appropriate lead, MERA-wide Business Finance projects and other enterprise initiatives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Financial qualification required (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or a related analytical discipline).
• Minimum 5 years experience in management accounting and/or business finance; pharmaceutical or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Professional qualification (e.g., CIMA, CA(SA), CPA, ACCA) is an advantage; with 1/2 years post-qualification experience will be added advantage

TECHNICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; detail-oriented with the ability to draw strategic insights from data.
• Advanced computer literacy, including working knowledge of financial accounting software and ERP systems.
• Strong MS Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with inventory and/or manufacturing accounting is an advantage.

Behavioural Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• High sense of accountability, with the ability to exercise independent judgement and confidently propose recommendations.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a strong desire to learn and develop.
• Collaborative and flexible working style, with a strong orientation to team goals and stakeholder needs.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a global and multi-cultural environment.